The Age of Enlightenment came after the Dark ages and it was an intellectual and scientific movement of 18th century Europe which was characterized by a rational and scientific approach to religious, social, political, and economic issues. During the Age of Enlightenment a lot of European colonies revolted against their European masters and started their own country. The United States of America was the first colony to seek independence from their European masters. This inspired other colonies like the ones in Latin America that if The United States of America could gain independence from their leaders they could do it too. Another thing that affected Latin America was Napoleon Bonaparte. During the Age of Enlightenment, Spain controlled most of the colonies in Latin America.After, Napoleon took over Spain the chaos made a perfect atmosphere to revolt and not commit treason. Since Spain focused all their attention on their own country, it gave a perfect opportunity for the colonies to revolt because Spain wasn't paying a lot of attention on their colonies.